SCORE is proud to announce the three winners of the 2015 Students Rise to the Challenge Scholarship competition. Grades 3-5: Nicholas Reynolds, Andersonville Elementary, Anderson County Schools Grades 6-8: Yeleeya Li, Indian Trail Intermediate School, Johnson City Schools Grades 9-12: Weston Downing, Covington High School, Tipton County Schools The three winners of Students Rise to the Challenge are competed in…
This year’s Students Rise to the Challenge (SRTTC) scholarship competition brought SCORE many, many impressive essays, videos, and photos stories from public school students across the state of Tennessee. Some entries were humorous, some creative, and some truly heartfelt. The 30 finalist entries are being graded by a judging panel of educators and community members…
“The Academy model here at Cane Ridge High School has definitely had a positive impact on my education. It has opened so many doors and allowed me to expand my horizons on the career I wish to pursue…It has mentally and physically prepared me for life after high school. – Bailee D., student, Academy of…
Dear Friends, Teaching is one of the most important – and challenging – jobs around. Teachers carry enormous responsibilities, and sometimes there are not enough hours in the classroom or in the day to accomplish all that needs to be done. During the past five years, teachers in Tennessee have navigated significant shifts in how…
The past five years have seen a tremendous amount of change to the educational landscape in Tennessee: new academic standards, a new teacher evaluation system, new interventions for struggling learners, and, most recently, new assessments. One might think that these numerous changes would be too much for teachers to handle and may even prompt them…
“You have to lay out a calendar. We just had a principals’ meeting in our district, and we looked at our calendar. We highlighted with colors the different tests and whether it’s no teaching that day. I thought, what if you give teachers this calendar and say, ‘Go find your days to teach.’ Those are…
The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) today announced the 12 finalists for the fifth annual SCORE Prize. The SCORE Prize recognizes the elementary, middle, and high schools and school districts that are leaders in student learning in Tennessee. The 2015 SCORE Prize finalists are: Elementary schools • Andersonville Elementary School, Anderson County Schools •…
As one of 13 states in which 100 percent of graduating high school seniors have taken the ACT college entrance examination, ACT scores represent an important indicator of college readiness in Tennessee. This year, more than 68,000 graduates statewide took the exam, and the published results provide educators data needed to understand how well our…
The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) has released the following statement from President and CEO Jamie Woodson about the 2015 ACT results for Tennessee. Tennessee students have shown steady improvement on the ACT college and career readiness measure since 2011, and their gains have outpaced the national trend for four years straight. The state…
Dear Friends, Back to school is a time filled with excitement and hope because the start of a new school year gives every student, teacher, principal, and superintendent a fresh beginning. Back to school is naturally a time to think of great things yet to come, but it also is a good time to remember…
“Say not what you think people want to hear but those positive things that you feel are essential. This competition gives you a voice. Be brave. Speak up.” -2012 Students Rise to the Challenge Winner, Rolanda Mack SCORE wants to know more about the great learning that is happening every day in classes, schools, and…
I once thought that if a teacher wanted to move up the career ladder, the only next step was to become a principal. I will even admit that one of the reasons I left teaching was because I did not feel like there were opportunities for me to grow in that role. If that was…
Outstanding outcomes for students are delivered by 2014 SCORE Prize middle school finalist Freedom Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in Memphis. But the innovative supports in place at Freedom Prep aren’t just for students. Teachers at the school receive individualized, intentional coaching and development, bringing out the best in every educator and attracting professionals…
How many drops of water can fit on the face side of a penny? It’s a tough question. Even if you can assume that all drops are made with a common, measurable dropper, there’s a lot involved. Cohesion between water molecules allows for surface tension, creating a bubble that holds more water than you might…
Five years ago, Christy Free was a middle school math teacher interested in taking on a bit of work beyond the walls of her classroom. Flash-forward to this summer. Ms. Free has just finished her first year as head principal of John F. Kennedy Elementary School, part of 2014 SCORE Prize-winning district Kingsport City Schools…
Each summer, SCORE’s research and policy team travels around the state to gain insight from the people on the front lines of education policy: Tennessee’s teachers, principals, and district leaders. These candid conversations with educators about the successes and challenges they experience in their roles play a major part in informing SCORE’s annual State of…
Dear Friends, No one has worked harder than Tennessee teachers in helping Tennessee students improve their academic performance. The insight of these classroom teachers is valuable in helping Tennessee move towards the goal of ensuring all students graduate ready to succeed in life. Last year, SCORE launched the Tennessee Educator Fellowship, a yearlong experience for…
“What brings you to Tennessee?” That’s the question I’ve been getting lately, as my Chicago accent gives away that I’m not a Nashville native by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve graduated from the George Washington University, and instead of staying in D.C. to work on education policy at a national level, I packed my…
NASHVILLE – The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) has issued the following statement from President and CEO Jamie Woodson about the results of the 2015 Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). For the fifth year, Tennessee students have demonstrated strong academic growth on TCAP, especially in math and science. It’s clear that the hard work of…
Ever tried to change a tire without stopping the car? For Eric Lifsey, a principal in Williamson County Schools (WCS), that’s what it can feel like to implement even the most helpful of new practices. “You can’t stop school while you institute a change,” said Dr. Lifsey. “Being able to learn from others makes it…